When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land…
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Mt 5:1-12)
This passage is the beginning of the famous ‘Sermon on the Mount’, which runs through chapters 5,6 and 7 of Matthew’s gospel. This is proclaimed by all as the wonderful teachings of Jesus. If only people followed these teaching then the world would be different. The world would be really heaven on earth.
These teachings are quite demanding. People of today’s world are considering success, wealth, long life, victory as yard sticks for a good life. But Jesus is proposing good news for the humble, the poor, the mourners, the peace makers, the persecuted etc.
These seem to be God’s good news. God is acting in and through Jesus. God wants to turn the world upside down. God is pouring on blessings on all those who turn to him and accept the new teachings that he is presenting through Jesus.
